harem

har·em

noun \ˈher-əm\

Definition of HAREM

1

a : a usually secluded house or part of a house allotted to women in a Muslim household b : the wives, concubines, female relatives, and servants occupying a harem

2

: a group of women associated with one man

3

: a group of females associated with one male —used of polygamous animals

Examples of HAREM

1. the pop star and his harem

Origin of HAREM

ultimately from Arabic ḥarīm, literally, something forbidden & ḥaram, literally, sanctuary

First Known Use: 1623

Rhymes with HAREM

arum, carom